News
David Holliday Obituary
23/05/2023 00:00, In Blog /
All at Welsh Athletics have been saddened by the news that David Holliday had passed away. David was one of a small band of technical officials from England who regularly supported Track and Field competitions in Wales and was clearly one of our most experienced and respected Field Events Officials.
He qualified as an official in the early 70’s and was introduced to Welsh Athletics in 2002 by Stuart Hodson another official from England and has continued to serve Welsh Athletics ever since.
David was a highly ranked official having officiated at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the World and Para World Championships, the Manchester and Glasgow Commonwealth Games and numerous Grand Prix and Internationals.
He served Welsh Athletics in both outdoor and indoor Track and Field events frequently in leadership roles including that of Competition Director, Meeting Manager and Referee and made a significant contribution in the mentoring of new officials. Several of our current highly ranked officials have thanked David for his wise counselling and support whilst moving through the ‘Officials Pathway’.
As a former teacher, David was heavily involved with the English Schools and Welsh Schools Athletics Associations as a Field Referee. His professional skills as a teacher were expertly deployed to Schools Championships over a number of years.
David was essentially a people person who was well respected by his fellow officials, administrators and the athletes. His contribution to athletics at all levels was immense and he will be sorely missed.
Our sincere condolences to his wife Rosemary, his family, and friends.
Lynette Harries MBE,
Former President of Welsh Athletics